Yann's the Man

New man Sonny Bradley has taken his share of the limelight, with his performances from centre-back earning a Player of the Month nomination, and his feats in front of goal – at both ends this weekend! – catching the eye. 

Last year’s Pilgrim of the Year Graham Carey has again excelled, playing a variety of positions behind a main striker, while the steadying figure of captain Luke McCormick has been a constant, calming presence throughout. 

While the aforementioned trio have helped Argyle to their best start in nigh-on a century, a fourth ever-present has been there for each of the first dozen games, helping the Green cause while still adjusting to a new position. 

Yann Songo’o began the season in central defence, the position he has played for almost his entire career, but the 24-year-old has been asked by manager Derek Adams to adopt a different, new role since then. 

Songo’o is charged with playing as the deepest of Argyle’s midfielders, shielding his back four in breaking up opposition attacks. Something must be working, as Yann has played every game, and the Pilgrims have the best defensive record in the division. 

“He can tackle, he can head, he can pass the ball,” said Derek. “He’s very competitive; he’s a winner. He’s only a young boy as well. We’re delighted with him. 

“I had him at Ross County – he was on loan from Blackburn Rovers – and I looked at playing him in that midfield role when I was there. Due to circumstances I had to play him at centre-half, but I always hoped I could play him in there. 

“I was going to play him in there at the start of the season but [Nauris] Bulvitis’ clearance hadn’t come through, and Karleigh Osborne was injured, so Yann played at the back. He’s been a top performer. He’s played in every single league game from the start, and has shown the qualities he had at Blackburn Rovers. 

“I had Steven Watt – he was at Chelsea, and played for me at Ross County – and he was a central defender, and I moved him in midfield because you need defensive qualities in that area. If you have a lot of creativity and good passers of the ball, you still need a defensive one in there. 

“He’s done really well. He’s not shown that he didn’t play at all last season. He has a great attitude to go and win every game.”